Salesforce just made a big investment in behind-the-scenes technology.
The company is going all-in on AI with an $8 billion acquisition of Informatica, but this is not about flashy new features. Salesforce is attempting to tackle the real problem most companies face with AI: messy, disconnected data.
The move raises real questions, especially around overlap with MuleSoft and Data Cloud, but it also opens the door for companies to rethink how they manage and structure their data going forward.
So, what exactly is Informatica, why did Salesforce buy it, and what should you be considering?
What’s Informatica?
Informatica is a long-time leader in enterprise data management. It helps large companies pull data from across systems, clean it up, and keep it secure. It’s the background technology that powers everything from reporting dashboards to AI automation.
It also falls under the iPaaS umbrella — integration platform as a service — alongside MuleSoft, Boomi, and Celigo. What sets Informatica apart is its ability to handle messy, complex data and turn it into something AI can actually use.
Salesforce buying Informatica shows a deeper focus on building AI from the ground up. Tools like Agentforce will likely benefit, but the bigger picture is about helping customers unify data across systems, especially when Salesforce is just one part of the stack.
Will it simplify things? Potentially, especially for teams juggling ERPs, data warehouses, or custom tools. It also raises valid questions about how Informatica fits alongside MuleSoft and Data Cloud.
What This Means for Companies Using Salesforce
The big change? If your company uses Salesforce, this acquisition could make your data setup and use of AI more efficient, especially if your data lives across ERPs, data warehouses, or other internal systems.
With Informatica, Salesforce aims to help you cut down on patchwork fixes and constant IT workarounds when connecting data sources. It could reduce time stitching reports together and allow for clean, connected data that powers automation and AI. When systems actually communicate, forecasting and decision-making get easier.
That said, this adds a new layer of complexity to Salesforce’s integration mix. MuleSoft handles APIs, Data Cloud harmonizes data for AI, and Informatica focuses on governance, metadata, and cross-platform integration. How these pieces fit together is something to watch.
Bottom line: this could streamline your data work. But it’s also a good moment to review how your systems connect and if they’re ready for more advanced tools like AI agents or predictive models.
Strategic Value for C-Suite Leaders
With Informatica, Salesforce aims to enhance its platform’s readiness for AI and Agentic AI by improving how data is connected, cleaned, and managed.
It also reflects a broader shift in the enterprise software industry. Companies aren’t looking to add on more tools. They want the ones they currently have to work together. This type of integration could help Salesforce users spend less time resolving technical issues and more time focusing on outcomes.
Questions Worth Considering
On paper, this deal looks promising. But rolling out Informatica will take time, effort, and budget, and it brings up some important questions.
First, how does it fit with what Salesforce already offers? MuleSoft handles integrations, Data Cloud manages harmonized data and insights, and Informatica overlaps with both. Will these tools stay separate or eventually merge? If you’ve already invested in MuleSoft or Data Cloud, what does this mean for your setup?
Then there’s the complexity. Salesforce says it’s building a stronger foundation for AI and automation, but adding another platform could also create confusion if the strategy isn’t clear.
And finally, cost. Will Informatica’s features come with existing Salesforce licenses or be sold separately? Will pricing work for mid-sized businesses or mainly favor large enterprises?
If you’re looking to incorporate AI in a meaningful way, it’s a good time to step back and evaluate your stack. If you’ve been patching things together or struggling to make AI useful, simplifying a plan could be beneficial instead of adding layers.
Planning For Changes to Come
The deal still requires regulatory approval, but it’s a strong indication that Salesforce is investing in enhanced data infrastructure. Ideally, Informatica’s capabilities will surface across the platform, which could make it easier to reduce silos, improve data quality, and build smarter, more reliable AI workflows.
If you’re evaluating iPaaS tools or trying to future-proof your Salesforce setup, now’s a good time to take stock. These shifts could affect how you integrate, report, and automate moving forward.
At Dupont Circle Solutions, we help organizations get real, lasting value from Salesforce. That includes cleaner data, robust reporting, agentic AI, and tech that aligns with your goals, not the other way around.
Reach out today, and let’s talk about what’s possible for your business.